Chapter 3: From Earth-Centrism to Mars-Centrism

Earth nurtured human life. From ancient times to the present, human survival and development have always centered on Earth, naturally forming an Earth-centric worldview that emphasizes resource utilization and social construction centered on our home planet. Under the influence of this Earth-centric mindset, even with unprecedented technological progress today, the most cutting-edge Mars exploration and development plans still treat Mars merely as a colony — a place for resource extraction. This will cause Mars to miss significant development opportunities. Especially in the absence of systematic planning, combined with Mars's harsh climate and environment, Mars could very well degenerate into a mining site or even a dumping ground, ultimately becoming an uninhabitable wasteland. Therefore, we must shift from Earth-centrism to Mars-centrism. Mars-centrism means that all planning and development on Mars should be carried out with Mars as the center, rather than treating Mars as an extension or colony of Earth. Mars-centrism requires us to view Mars as an independent entity with its own value and potential, rather than merely as a resource supply station for Earth. Under the guidance of Mars-centrism, Mars's development should prioritize long-term sustainability and the well-being of Mars's residents, rather than short-term resource extraction. This shift in mindset will fundamentally change the way we develop Mars, ensuring it becomes a new home for human civilization rather than a disposable resource depot.